MEA Energy Association News Newswirehttp://www.meaenergy.orgNews related to MEA Energy Association(c) 2019, MEA Energy Association All Rights Reserved.5Romet Named 2019 Best Managed Company<span style="font-family: helvetica;">
<p style="text-align: left;">Romet Limited today announced it has been named one of Canada&rsquo;s Best Managed Companies for the third consecutive year. The Mississauga, Ontario provider of natural gas meters and meter-related services was one of 477 private Canadian companies recognized.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&ldquo;We are pleased to have been awarded this prestigious designation,&rdquo; said Brent Collver, P.Eng., Romet&rsquo;s chief executive officer. &ldquo;This recognition reflects the continued commitment of our entire team to provide the rugged, reliable and responsive products and services valued by customers worldwide.&rdquo;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Each year hundreds of entrepreneurial companies with revenues of $15 million or more are evaluated by a judging panel comprised of a select group of independent members and rotating special guest representatives. Only the top-performing Canadian owned companies are selected to be on the best-managed list.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The rigorous application process evaluates four key areas of company performance: Strategic vision, capability, commitment and return-oninvestment. Established in 1993, Canada&rsquo;s leading business awards program was sponsored this year by Deloitte, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business, and the Toronto Stock Exchange.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s gratifying to be recognized once again as one of Canada&rsquo;s Best Managed Companies,&rdquo; said Roy A. Sutterfield, Romet&rsquo;s vice chairman of </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">the board. &ldquo;We attribute our success to an unrelenting focus on customers, the industry and the role of natural gas as a primary energy source,&rdquo; he said, adding that the introduction of new and enhanced offerings, the move to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and recent global expansion contributed to Romet&rsquo;s repeat recognition.<br />
<br />
About Canada&rsquo;s Best Managed Companies</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Established 26 years ago, Canada's Best Managed Companies recognizes excellence among Canadian owned and managed companies with annual revenues over $15 million. Each year entrepreneurial companies compete for the designation in a process that evaluates the caliber of management abilities and practices. Awards are granted at four levels: New Winner (first-time winner); Winner (second and/or third consecutive year winner); Gold Standard Winner (fourth, fifth and/or sixth consecutive year winner); and Platinum Club Winner (seventh or more consecutive year winner). For more information visit <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca/">www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca</a></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">About Romet Limited <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Romet is an international market leader in positive displacement rotary gas meters, electronic volume, temperature instrumentation and auxiliary equipment for the natural gas industry. Founded in 1972, the Toronto-based company markets and sells its products through authorized agents, representatives and distributors worldwide, and is known for high-quality products, innovative technology and strong commitment to customer service. Named one of Canada&rsquo;s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Romet has experienced double-digit, year-over-year growth for the past seven years. For more information visit <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: helvetica;">www.rometlimited.com</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
</span>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=312Thu, 14 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMTBorder States Electric Expands PVF Market Segment<p><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Border States Electric (BSE) announces the expansion of their pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) segment of their industrial market by hiring a highly motivated team of experts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Six individuals with technical expertise and sales and operations experience have joined Border States. Ken, Brandon and Chuck Keller are part of this team with 98 years of combined PVF experience. They have long-standing business relationships with critical PVF vendors and many current BSE customers. Additionally, they are former employees of Challenger Industries, a well-respected industrial distributor that provided PVF products and services for crude oil and natural gas exploration, pipelines, natural gas plants, power plants and refineries.&nbsp; </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">&ldquo;With the Keller&rsquo;s joining our team, additional investment in inventory and equipment and our commitment to the PVF market segment, Border States will be well positioned to provide customers both electrical and PVF products supported by specialists &mdash; something many of our customers have been asking for.&rdquo; Jason Stein, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing said. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">This expansion of the PVF market segment will start in the Northwest Region of BSE, which includes branch locations in Bismarck, Dickinson, Minot, Watford City and Williston, North Dakota. BSE will strategically phase-in PVF in other branch locations to support customer demand.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">BSE supplies products and services to construction, industrial and utility customers. The 100 percent employee-owned company is ranked the seventh largest electrical distributor in the U.S. by <i>Electrical Wholesaling</i> magazine. BSE has more than 2,600 employees and more than 100 branches in 22 states. </span><a href="https://www.borderstates.com/Content/aboutus_home"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Corporate headquarters</span></b></a><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> are in Fargo, N.D. </span> </p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=311Tue, 12 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMTMEA environmental group focuses conference content for managers<p>The MEA Environmental Leadership Learning Conference is a two-day event tailored to the needs of environmental managers and their teams, covering a range of topics from Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) and Manufactured Gas Plants (MGP) to waste management and emergency preparations.</p>
<p>The MEA Environmental Leadership Learning Conference isn&rsquo;t intended to compete with the other conferences specializing in MGP and CCR; it complements them. &ldquo;The committee knows that training dollars are limited, so they made some changes for 2019. We are keeping the most valued topics, adding a new content block, honing our audience, and enhancing the networking activities,&rdquo; says Stacey Bonine, corporate services director at MEA Energy Association (MEA).</p>
<p>The MEA Environmental Committee is made up of a number of environmental professionals from natural gas and electric utilities and consulting firms. The committee provides resources and educational opportunities to the energy industry on the diverse set of environmental issues related to both the management of environmental liabilities as well as those encountered in the field.</p>
<p>The MEA Environmental Leadership Learning Conference is designed by and for utility and consultant personnel. Specifically, the committee says that managers from utilities can benefit the most, as the session blocks provide an overview of the most important topics and the most recent best practices. One 2018 attendee described the sessions as "timely and informative" and another said, "Good mix of topics and speakers. Very relevant to my work."</p>
<p>The inclusion of leadership in the conference name highlights what managers can learn during the new session block titled Environmental Leadership &amp; Management. The block features experts and discussions around environmental liabilities, environmental budgets &amp; estimates, and sustainability reporting. </p>
<p>Natural disasters, emerging contaminants, cybersecurity, waste management, decommissioning, and case studies are also on the agenda. More session information can be found at <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/events/corporate/environmental">https://www.meaenergy.org/events/corporate/environmental</a>.</p>
<p>The committee also reports that 68% of past conference attendees rate networking opportunities as one of their top three reasons for attending. This March 12-14 in Scottsdale at We-Ko-Pa Resort &amp; Conference Center, they are offering opportunities for environmental managers to connect with each other through golf, MLB spring training, and more. For the third year, MEA will honor a selected individual&rsquo;s contributions to the industry with the Distinguished Environmental Professional Award.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.meaenergy.org/events">www.MEAenergy.org/events</a> to register for the MEA Environmental Leadership Learning Conference. For questions, contact Stacey Bonine at staceyb (at) MEAenergy (dot) org or call (651) 289-9600 x114. </p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=310Tue, 05 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMTMEA Energy Association Certifies Northeast Gas Association Trainers to Offer Field Leader Training <p>MEA Energy Association (MEA), a national trade association who provides education, leadership development, and industry connections to distribution utilities, contractors, and suppliers, to offer more access to training for field leaders in the energy industry working in the Northeast. </p>
<p>In October, Northeast Gas Association (NGA) received certification from MEA to train and facilitate the Field Leader Training program in their nine-state territory. The program, intended for shift supervisors, crew leaders, and foremen, will now be readily available to NGA members in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/events/leadership/">MEA Field Leader Training</a>&nbsp;does not teach the technical aspects of field work or the traditional supervisory skills. This in-person training teaches leadership skills that are necessary to effectively direct the activities of a crew, work on the crew, and communicate with management. The example scenarios and cases are just like the ones encountered on the job every day. That means the learnings can be applied immediately when planning work, leading teams, and improving safety.</p>
<p>The curriculum for this training is designed to meet the needs of the field leader. Most importantly, it recognizes the opportunities and challenges created by the limited authority and age differences of field leaders and their crews. Course content includes modules on strong teams, effective leadership, recognizing &amp; motivating crews, resolving conflicts, safety &amp; leadership, coaching crews, planning work, working with management, and ensuring quality. </p>
<p>&ldquo;A significant number of retirements continues to impact the knowledge and skill of our field leaders. It is more important than ever for natural gas and electric distribution utilities to recognize and identify leadership potential as early as possible,&rdquo; says MEA President Patrick Van Beek. &ldquo;The alliance between MEA and NGA allows more field personnel to operate safely and efficiently, which ultimately helps the industry as a whole.&rdquo;</p>
<p>MEA has offered Field Leader Training since 2010, impacting thousands of workers at dozens of utilities and contractors. For more information, or to attend a training through NGA, please contact Eileen Sitte of NGA at (781) 455-6800 x117 and esitte (at) northeastgas.org. </p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=308Wed, 02 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMTJeremy Strickland and Ray McCrickard of City Utilities of Springfield Receives MEA Meritorious Service Awards<p>MEA is proud to present Meritorious Service Awards to Jeremy Strickland, sr. measurement technician and Ray McCrickard, measurement technician, both employees of City Utilities of Springfield for assisting a mentally and physically disabled individual walking on the shoulder of a very busy road. McCrickard distracted the gentleman with conversation trying to find out where he was from. When authorities finally arrived, with Strickland and McCrickard's help, they found that the gentleman had walked out of a long-term care facility seemingly unnoticed. MEA presents the Meritorious Service Award annually to recognize individuals of MEA member companies who have performed actions in the service of another that are considered above and beyond.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is a privilege to present the Meritorious Service Awards,&rdquo; said John Gann, MEA Energy Association vice president. &ldquo;These awards serve to highlight the outstanding individuals in the energy industry who rise up when called and make a positive contribution to society.&rdquo;</p>
<p>City Utilities of Springfield is a community-owned utility that serves southwest Missouri. They&rsquo;ve been a member of MEA since 1960.</p>
<p>Applicants for the Meritorious Service Award are approved by the Executive Committee of MEA&rsquo;s Board of Directors. Read about all MEA awards at <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/</a>. </p>
<p>For questions contact John Gann, johng (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x105.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=307Wed, 26 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMTLarry Juday of CenterPoint Energy Receives MEA Meritorious Service Award<p>MEA is proud to present Larry Juday, meter reader for CenterPoint Energy in Mora, Minn., a Meritorious Service Award for his assistance to an elderly woman in distress late last year. Juday discovered the woman laying outside for over an hour after a fall. Juday carried her into her home and a &ldquo;Meals on Wheels&rdquo; representative who happened to arrive, called for medical attention. MEA presents the Meritorious Service Award annually to recognize individuals of MEA member companies who have performed actions in the service of another that are considered above and beyond.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is a privilege to present the Meritorious Service Awards,&rdquo; said John Gann, MEA Energy Association vice president. &ldquo;These awards serve to highlight the outstanding individuals in the energy industry who rise up when called and make a positive contribution to society.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Applicants for the Meritorious Service Award are approved by the Executive Committee of MEA&rsquo;s Board of Directors. Read about all MEA awards at <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/</a>. </p>
<p>For questions contact John Gann, johng (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x105.</p>
<p>About MEA:<br />
MEA serves the people that deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. We were founded as a trade association over 110 years ago by distribution utilities whose vision was to improve safety and efficiency. Today, we fulfill the same purpose through education, leadership development, and industry connections. Energy delivery companies, contractors, and suppliers around the country benefit from our 55 summits, roundtables, and webinars, 400+ online technical courses, safety assessments, evaluator training, operator qualification compliance tools, and leadership courses for field personnel.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=305Wed, 19 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMTSixteen ComEd Employees Honored for Providing Aid to Others with MEA Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Awards<p>MEA Energy Association (MEA) is honored to bestow Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Awards to 16 employees of ComEd, the largest electric utility in Illinois and longtime member of MEA.</p>
<p>MEA presented the 2018 Life Sustaining Awards to Chris Beu, underground helper; Michael Grazioli, sr. environmental compliance specialist; Timothy Griseto, sr. environmental coordinator; and John Stranges, sr. training specialist for their selfless actions that saved the life of others. Beu saved the life of another by performing CPR. In a different incident, Grazioli, Griseto, and Stranges saved a drowning child. Twelve other ComEd employees were recognized with Meritorious Service Awards. They are:</p>
<p>&bull;&nbsp;Armando Alcantar, crew leader; Lavell Short, crew leader; and Michael Skrzyniarz, overhead electrician; helped save individuals from a house fire<br />
&bull;&nbsp;Brian Metzger, crew leader; Michael Monaco, overhead electrician; Matthew Tinsley, overhead electrician; Jeremy Gladkowski, crew leader; Roberto Celestino, overhead electrician; and Adam Bickel, overhead electrician; came to the aid of a man following a vehicle accident<br />
&bull;&nbsp;Daniel Cooper, overhead electrician starter, recognized a gas leak and took appropriate action<br />
&bull;&nbsp;Hugo Castaneda, principle engineer and Pablo Bonilla, crew leader, both came to the aid of different men who were suffering from diabetic shock</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is a privilege to present the Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Awards,&rdquo; said John Gann, MEA Energy Association vice president. &ldquo;These awards serve to highlight the outstanding individuals in the energy industry who rise up when called and make a positive contribution to society.&rdquo;</p>
<p>MEA Life Sustaining Awards are presented to individuals from our member companies who have saved the life of another. The Meritorious Service Award is granted to recognize those who have performed actions in the service of another that are considered above and beyond. Applicants for the MEA Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Award are approved by the Executive Committee of MEA&rsquo;s Board of Directors. Read about all MEA awards at <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/</a>. </p>
<p>For questions contact John Gann, johng (at) midwestenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x105.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=304Tue, 11 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMTMEA Honors Kathryn Telford and Terry Theil of WEC Energy Group for Providing First Aid <p>MEA is honored to present two awards to employees of WEC Energy Group. Kathryn Telford, team leader was presented with the MEA Life Sustaining Award for her hands-on actions that saved the life of another. Telford performed abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich on a choking individual, saving that person&rsquo;s life.</p>
<p>Terry Thiel, gas utility mechanic, was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award for coming to the aid of an injured teen. Thiel and Dan Ehlers of KS Energy Services provided the girl with coats to keep her warm, called 911, and stayed with her until the paramedics arrived.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is a privilege to present the Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Awards,&rdquo; said John Gann, MEA Energy Association vice president. &ldquo;These awards serve to highlight the outstanding individuals in the energy industry who rise up when called and make a positive contribution to society.&rdquo;</p>
<p>MEA Life Sustaining Awards are presented to individuals from our member companies who have saved the life of another. The Meritorious Service Award is granted to recognize those who have performed actions in the service of another that are considered above and beyond. Applicants for the MEA Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Award are approved by the Executive Committee of MEA&rsquo;s Board of Directors. Read about all MEA awards at <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/</a>. </p>
<p>For questions contact John Gann, johng (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x105.</p>
<p>About MEA:<br />
MEA serves the people that deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. We were founded as a trade association over 110 years ago by distribution utilities whose vision was to improve safety and efficiency. Today, we fulfill the same purpose through education, leadership development, and industry connections. Energy delivery companies, contractors, and suppliers around the country benefit from our 55 summits, roundtables, and webinars, 400+ online technical courses, safety assessments, evaluator training, operator qualification compliance tools, and leadership courses for field personnel.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=303Mon, 03 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMTDan Ehlers of KS Energy Services Receives MEA Meritorious Service Award<p>MEA is proud to present Dan Ehlers, contractor of KS Energy Services, a Meritorious Service Award for assisting a teenage girl who had been thrown from her horse. Ehlers and Terry Thiel of WEC Energy Group &ndash; Wisconsin Public Service provided the girl with coats to keep her warm, called 911, and stayed with her until the paramedics arrived. MEA presents the Meritorious Service Award annually to recognize individuals of MEA member companies who have performed actions in the service of another that are considered above and beyond.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is a privilege to present the Meritorious Service Awards,&rdquo; said John Gann, MEA Energy Association vice president. &ldquo;These awards serve to highlight the outstanding individuals in the energy industry who rise up when called and make a positive contribution to society.&rdquo;</p>
<p>KS Energy Services, based out of New Berlin, Wisc., has been a member of MEA since 2005.</p>
<p>Applicants for the Meritorious Service Award are approved by the Executive Committee of MEA&rsquo;s Board of Directors. Read about all MEA awards at <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/</a>. </p>
<p>For questions contact John Gann, johng (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x105.</p>
<p>About MEA:<br />
MEA serves the people that deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. We were founded as a trade association over 110 years ago by distribution utilities whose vision was to improve safety and efficiency. Today, we fulfill the same purpose through education, leadership development, and industry connections. Energy delivery companies, contractors, and suppliers around the country benefit from our 55 summits, roundtables, and webinars, 400+ online technical courses, safety assessments, evaluator training, operator qualification compliance tools, and leadership courses for field personnel.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=302Wed, 28 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMTFive Energy Utilities Receive MEA 2018 Accident Prevention Awards<p>MEA is proud to announce that five (5) energy delivery companies received 2018 Accident Prevention Awards. Congratulations to these companies for their outstanding safety records:</p>
<ul>
<li> Austin Utilities (Minnesota)</li>
<li>ComEd (Illinois)</li>
<li>Greater Minnesota Gas (Minnesota)</li>
<li>Ohio Gas Company (Ohio)</li>
<li>TECO Peoples Gas (Florida)</li>
</ul>
<p>The award is based on each company&rsquo;s previous year&rsquo;s OSHA safety performance metric DART; it is presented to the member company or companies in each category with the fewest number of days away and lowest rate of restricted or transferred days, according to a survey of MEA&rsquo;s membership. The awards are presented annually at the MEA Gas and Electric Operations Technical &amp; Leadership Summits.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Past winners of the MEA Accident Prevention Award can be found at <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/accident-prevention-award/">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards/accident-prevention-award/</a>. For questions contact John Gann, johng (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x105.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=300Mon, 29 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMTDennis Klumb, Jr. of KS Energy Services, LLC is Inducted into the MEA Hall of Fame
<br />
Dennis Klumb, Jr., president and CEO of KS Energy Services, LLC, was inducted into the MEA Energy Association Hall of Fame at the recent MEA Fall Executive Roundtable in Chicago, IL. The MEA Hall of Fame recognizes members who exemplify great leadership and professionalism. Inductees have contributed their time and expertise to the energy delivery industry through service on MEA committees and at MEA in-person training and educational events.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;Dennis exemplifies service to the energy delivery industry,&rdquo; says Patrick Van Beek, president of MEA. &ldquo;He has made many contributions to MEA over the years. He has served on numerous MEA committees, the Board of Directors and as our Treasurer. His participation and involvement continue to make MEA a better association.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br />
Inductees of the MEA Hall of Fame are nominated by fellow MEA members and are approved by the MEA Board of Directors.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
MEA has honored Hall of Fame inductees for 16 years. For a complete list of inductees, visit <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards</a>. For questions, contact John Gann at johng (at) MEAenergy (dot) org or call (651) 289-9600 x105.<br />
<img alt="Dennis Klumb, Jr. " src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44197865_2064427926910828_3915808416332775424_n.png?_nc_cat=102&amp;oh=a4f3f6768a1f0f2cf0bb746d151d497b&amp;oe=5C407892" />HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=299Wed, 17 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMTSixty-Three Teams Compete at the 2018 National Gas Rodeo in Kansas City, Missouri<p>MEA Energy Association (MEA) is pleased to announce that a record setting sixty-three teams of natural gas distribution professionals competed in the 2018 National Gas Rodeo at Heart of America Pop Warner Football Field in Independence, Missouri.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
All teams were challenged to safely and quickly install a service line, dig a pit by hand, cut a six-inch metal pipe, and assemble a meter set during the qualifying round. The top 12 two- and four-person teams moved on to compete in the relay where they had six tasks to complete, including moving an egg with a backhoe. The teams go through intense training and some compete in local rodeos before entering to compete at the National Gas Rodeo.<br />
<br />
The 63 teams included two student teams from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) who challenged themselves by competing against industry professionals. The NWTC teams, &ldquo;Gas Greenhorns&rdquo; and &ldquo;Screaming Eagles&rdquo; ranked 33rd and 37th respectively in the two-person field. The three all-female two-person teams represent the most female teams to compete in the rodeo. &ldquo;Twisted Sisters&rdquo; a team from Duke Energy/Piedmont Natural Gas ranked 25th in the two-person field. The Spire teams, &ldquo;Luna Chicks&rdquo; ranked 26th and &ldquo;Gashouse Gals&rdquo; ranked 16th in the two-person field.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<b>FASTEST TIMES: Qualifying Events and Relay</b></p>
<p><b>Two-Person Field</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Hand Dig: &ldquo;Mad Tappers&rdquo;, City Utilities of Springfield</li>
<li>Service Installation: &ldquo;Young Guns&rdquo;, Spire-Alabama</li>
<li>Pipe Cut: &ldquo;Lil&rsquo; Gashouse Gang&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri East with a new record of 10.02 seconds</li>
<li>Meter Set: &ldquo;Lil&rsquo; Gashouse Gang&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri East</li>
<li>Relay: &ldquo;High Pressure Hitmen&rdquo;, Duke Energy/Piedmont Natural Gas with a new record of 111.91 seconds</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;<b>Four-Person Field</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Hand Dig: &ldquo;Gas House Gorillas&rdquo;, City Utilities of Springfield</li>
<li>Service Installation: &ldquo;Gashouse Gang&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri East</li>
<li>Pipe Cut: &ldquo;Gashouse Gang&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri East with a new record of 6.11 seconds</li>
<li>Meter Set: &ldquo;Methane Maniacs&rdquo;, Ameren Illinois Company with a new record of 26.10 seconds</li>
<li>Relay: &ldquo;Intense Ignition&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri West with a new record of 100.34 seconds</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;<b>2018 NATIONAL GAS RODEO CHAMPIONS:</b><br />
<p><b>Two-Person Field</b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>1st Place:</b> &ldquo;Lil&rsquo; Gashouse Gang&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri East</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>Stephen Bouse</li>
<li>Barry Hicks</li>
<li>Jeff Busch (alternate)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li><b>2nd Place:</b> &ldquo;Mercaptan &lsquo;Merica&rdquo;, Alliant Energy</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>Joshua Jaskolski</li>
<li>Steve Scheffel</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<p><b><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>3rd Place:</b> &ldquo;High Pressure Hitmen&rdquo;, Duke Energy/Piedmont Natural Gas</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>Reece Graves</li>
<li>Andy Andrews</li>
<li>Caleb Overton (alternate)</li>
<li>Scott Overcash (alternate)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><b>Four-Person Field</b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>1st Place:</b> &ldquo;Gashouse Gang&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri East
<ul>
<li>Aaron Witt</li>
<li>Brandon Vickery</li>
<li>Robert Hayes</li>
<li>Jon Loughary</li>
<li>Don Jackson (alternate)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li><b>2nd Place:</b> &ldquo;Intense Ignition&rdquo;, Spire-Missouri West
<ul>
<li>Korey Ross</li>
<li>Dylan Middleton</li>
<li>Justin Wald</li>
<li>Jeff Smith</li>
<li>Seth Golay (alternate)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li><b>3rd Place:</b> &ldquo;Methane Maniacs&rdquo;, Ameren Illinois Company
<ul>
<li>Zac Reis</li>
<li>Keith Huschle</li>
<li>Dale Stallman</li>
<li>James Tylka</li>
<li>Aaron Sanders&nbsp;(alternate)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;&ldquo;The National Gas Rodeo Committee introduced the Spirit of the Rodeo Award this year,&rdquo; said John Gann, program services vice president for MEA, &ldquo;and we are proud to present it to Spire in appreciation for their outstanding support as rodeo host. We congratulate all the teams on their skill, sportsmanship, and professionalism and look forward to a spectacular competition next year.&rdquo;
<p>&nbsp;</p>
The intense competition and camaraderie of the National Gas Rodeo offer natural gas utilities from across the country an opportunity to showcase their teamwork, skills, and professionalism. Participation in the National Gas Rodeo plays an important role in developing a mindset of efficiency, proficiency, and safety when working in the natural gas field. Learn more about the National Gas Rodeo at <span><a href="http://www.nationalgasrodeo.org/">nationalgasrodeo.org</a></span>.
<p><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>The National Gas Rodeo is a program of MEA and was hosted by Spire. The rodeo is made possible through the premier level support of CASE Construction, K.R. Swerdfeger Construction, Inc., and Sealweld/Val-Tex.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
About MEA:
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>MEA serves the people that deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. We were founded as a trade association over 110 years ago by distribution utilities whose vision was to improve safety and efficiency. Today, we fulfill the same purpose through education, leadership development, and industry connections. Energy delivery companies, contractors, and suppliers around the country benefit from our 55 summits, roundtables, and webinars, 400+ online technical courses, safety assessments, evaluator training, operator qualification compliance tools, and leadership courses for field personnel.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=298Tue, 02 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMTHeather Rivard, DTE Energy, Receives the Energetic Women Maverick Award<p>Energetic Women inducted Heather Rivard of DTE Energy as the newest Maverick Award recipient last month at the Energetic Women Conference. The Maverick Award gives special recognition to leaders who have set the standard in promoting, connecting and strengthening female leaders in energy operations and engineering. The award is presented annually to an individual who actively participates in the advancement of women in leadership, who knows an organization is stronger with a diverse leadership team, who believes in the empowerment of women, who understands the importance of recognition and opportunities for women, who advocates for the professional advancement of women, and who acknowledges the full talents, capabilities, and organizational benefits of women in energy operations and engineering.</p>
<p>Rivard, currently Senior Vice President Distribution Operations at DTE Energy, has been a trailblazer and role model while serving in very senior operational positions at DTE Energy. Her success as a female leader moving across vastly different roles, blending significant technical depth with outstanding leadership skills, has provided an example for other women in the organization that you can, indeed, have it all.</p>
<p>DTE Energy prepared a congratulatory video for Rivard featuring senior leadership at DTE Energy presenting stories and testimonials which demonstrate Rivard&rsquo;s support and encouragement of those in the industry along with all of the other attributes that make Rivard deserving of this prestigious award.</p>
<p>Rivard effectively uses her voice and position in a way that empowers women, earns respect, and gains loyalty from all leadership levels within her organization. She maintains an emphasis on developing and fostering relationships at work and on boards and committees that she supports, including her involvement in Energetic Women. The Women of DTE Advisory Committee recognize Heather as having created the ripples that turn into waves that have begun to wipe out stereotypes and allow all employees to achieve their full potential.</p>
<p>For more information about the Maverick Award or Energetic Women, contact Stacey Bonine, staceyb (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x114 or visit <a href="http://www.energeticwomen.org/">www.energeticwomen.org</a>. <br />
<br />
<img alt="Heather Rivard, Maverick" src="https://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2018/08/10/15687251/gI_68913_20180622_095230.png" /><br />
<br />
Heather Rivard (center) receives the Energetic Women Maverick Award from Pina Vyaz (left) of the Energetic Women Leadership Team and Christy Wicke (right) of DTE Energy.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=297Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMTCenterPoint Energy Receives the Energetic Women Excellence in Women’s Development Award<p>MEA and Energetic Women are proud to recognize CenterPoint Energy with the Excellence in Women&rsquo;s Development Award for their active efforts in achieving diversity and inclusion success. The Excellence in Women&rsquo;s Development Award recognizes a company in the energy delivery industry that valiantly champions diversity and inclusion efforts via resources and active talent management that supports women in non-traditional roles, including engineering and operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>CenterPoint Energy&rsquo;s focus on workforce diversity and respect is reflected in their Women in Leadership (WIL) Advisory Council. The Council was established in 2011 to increase female leadership development within all organizational areas of CenterPoint Energy, including operations and engineering. Recently, the WIL Advisory Council started a 'Pipeline to Purposeful Leadership' that provides opportunities to educate women on feeling confident in their pursuit of leadership and management positions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The WIL Council has created a safe space for diversity conversations," says Beverley Melchisedech, VP of Operations Support at CenterPoint Energy and member of the Council. &ldquo;What started as a Council for directors and above has evolved to include managers, with the next phase planned to include supervisors. Our goal is to share as much information as we can to support our future leaders.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>CenterPoint President and CEO, Scott Prochazka, was shown, in a pre-recorded video, at the recent Energetic Women Conference congratulating CenterPoint Energy&rsquo;s Women in Leadership (WIL) Advisory Council on their continued efforts to foster a culture of respect and diversity within their company and industry. Beverley Melchisedech and Shachella James accepted the award on behalf of CenterPoint Energy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>CenterPoint Energy offers a variety of internal professional growth programs and opportunities to bring female leaders and employees together to foster discussion, networking and relationship building. Support and funding, at the corporate level, of these highly attended programs is a testament to the company&rsquo;s commitment to diversity. The result is a significant increase in female leaders, specifically in engineering and operations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more information about the Excellence in Women&rsquo;s Development Award or Energetic Women, contact Stacey Bonine, staceyb (at) MEAenergy (dot) org, or (651) 289-9600 x114 or visit <span><a href="http://www.energeticwomen.org/"><span style="color: #8dc8e8;">www.energeticwomen.org</span></a></span>. <br />
<br />
<img alt="CenterPoint Energy receives teh 2018 Excellence Award" src="https://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2018/08/06/15674157/gI_68890_EW_ExcellenceAward.png" /><br />
<br />
<em>Ashley Babcock (center), Energetic Women Leadership Team, presents Shachella James (left) &amp; Beverley Melchisedech (right) with the Excellence in Women&rsquo;s Development Award for CenterPoint Energy.</em></p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=296Tue, 07 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMTStuart Twist of MidAmerican Energy Company is Inducted into the MEA Hall of Fame<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Stuart Twist, manager &ndash; electric operations at MidAmerican
Energy Company, was inducted into the MEA Energy Association Hall of Fame at
the recent Electric Operations Technical &amp; Leadership Summit in
Springfield, Ill. The MEA Hall of Fame recognizes members who exemplify great
leadership and professionalism. Inductees have contributed their time and
expertise to the energy delivery industry through service on MEA committees and
at MEA in-person training and educational events.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">"Stuart has been an outstanding committee member for
many years, demonstrating leadership and engagement with fellow committee
members and with underground personnel across the midwest," said John
Gann, program services vice president of MEA. "He has been a pleasure to
work with, always reliable, and a real asset to the industry. He has left a
legacy for future leaders."</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></br></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Stuart has contributed to the industry in many ways,
including:</p>
<ul>
<li>
Serving on the Electric Underground Distribution Committee for 16 years </li>
<li>Two-time chair of the Electric Underground Distribution Committee </li>
<li>Currently serving on the Electric Operations Steering Committee </li>
<li>Actively enhancing MidAmerican Energy's participation and engagement with MEA
</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Inductees of the MEA Hall of Fame are
nominated by fellow MEA members for their extensive service and leadership on
an MEA committee and participation at MEA conferences or training sessions and
are approved by the MEA Board of Directors. Stuart Twist received his award from
John Gann at the opening session of the Electric Operations Technical &amp;
Leadership Summit.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: open sans; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">MEA has honored Hall of Fame inductees for 16 years. For a
complete list of inductees<ins datetime="2018-07-03T14:01"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);">,</span></ins>
visit <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards</a>. For questions, contact John
Gahn at johngb (at) MEAenergy (dot) org or call (651) 289-9600 x105.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=294Fri, 06 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMTSpire Hosts the National Gas Rodeo in Kansas City, Missouri<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
Bloomington, Minn. (May 25, 2018) &mdash; MEA Energy Association (MEA) is pleased to announce that Spire is hosting the 2018 and 2019 National Gas Rodeo in Kansas City, Missouri. This three-day event promotes the skills and team work of the men and women working in the natural gas delivery industry. The team-based competitions build leadership and enhance company morale. Activities focus on safe, time-efficient performance of job skills.
</p><p>&ldquo;This is another wonderful partnership between the National Gas Rodeo and the natural gas industry,&rdquo; said John Gann, program services vice president of MEA. &ldquo;Spire is a top-tier energy company that has embraced excellent crews and excellent delivery. It is a privilege to work with them on this fine event.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The intense competition and camaraderie of the National Gas Rodeo offer two-person and four-person teams from across the country an opportunity to showcase their teamwork, skills, and professionalism. Participation in the National Gas Rodeo plays an important role in developing a mindset of efficiency, proficiency, and safety when working in the natural gas field. The 2018 National Gas Rodeo will be September 13-15 at Heart-Amer Pop Warner Football Field in Independence, Missouri. Learn more and register at <a href="http://www.nationalgasrodeo.org/">www.nationalgasrodeo.org</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: open sans;">.</span></p>
<p>The National Gas Rodeo is a program of MEA. The rodeo is made possible through the premier level support of CASE Construction, K.R. Swerdfeger, and Val-Tex.</p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=292Fri, 25 May 2018 04:00:00 GMTJames Gould Earns MEA Distinguished Environmental AwardMEA Energy Association (MEA) recognizes James Gould of Burns &amp; McDonnell (retired) for his 35 years of experience in manufactured gas plant (MGP) site remediation and environmental consulting. Gould received the MEA Distinguished Environmental Award at the recent Environmental Learning Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. <br />
<br />
The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the environment, especially in the electric and gas utility sector. This award, bestowed only when merited, acknowledges a specific breakthrough or achievement that has benefited the community of environmental professionals. Gould has been directly involved with over 60 MGP sites in more than 16 states. He was part of the project team responsible for the GRI &ldquo;Management of MGP Sites&rdquo; research and participated in several Electric Power Research Institute MGP research projects. <br />
<br />
&ldquo;Trying to define Jim's greatest [contribution] to the environmental electric and gas sector is impossible,&rdquo; said Derek Ingram of XDD Environmental. Some of his contributions include decades of environmental consulting, acting as &lsquo;The MGP Historian&rsquo;, and mentoring many in the energy delivery industry. Jim founded some of the environmental approaches the energy industry uses today, assisted with regulatory guidance, and served for over 20 years on the MEA Environmental Committee. <br />
<br />
The MEA Distinguished Environmental Award program is an initiative of the MEA Environmental Committee. For a complete list of eligibility requirements and how to enter visit <a href="https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards">https://www.meaenergy.org/outreach/awards</a>. For questions, contact Stacey Bonine at staceyb (at) MEAenergy (dot) org or call (651) 289-9600 x114. <br />
<br />
About MEA: <br />
MEA serves the people that deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. We were founded as a trade association over 110 years ago by distribution utilities whose vision was to improve safety and efficiency. Today, we fulfill the same purpose through education, leadership development, and industry connections. Energy delivery companies, contractors, and suppliers around the country benefit from our 55 summits, roundtables, and webinars, 400+ online technical courses, safety assessments, evaluator training, operator qualification compliance tools, and leadership courses for field personnel. <br />HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=290Wed, 02 May 2018 04:00:00 GMTBobbi L. Schroeppel of NorthWestern Energy is Named Chair of the 2018 MEA Board of Directors<p>MEA Energy Association (MEA) announces the appointment of Bobbi L. Schroeppel as chair and welcomes the full slate of officers and directors for the 2018 MEA Board of Directors. </p>
<p>Bobbi is the vice president of customer care, communications, and human resources of NorthWestern Energy. Bobbi&rsquo;s responsibilities include strategic and day-to-day leadership of NorthWestern&rsquo;s customer facing, corporate communication, and human resources processes; including customer interaction, revenue collection, customer education, customer programs and services, market research, customer care systems and infrastructure, branding and advertising, media relations and the human resource generalists processes. Since joining NorthWestern in May of 1998, Bobbi has also held positions in market research, support services and strategy. </p>
<p>&ldquo;MEA's contributions to the energy industry are immeasurable and I am proud to serve as chair,&rdquo; said Bobbi L. Schroeppel. &ldquo;I have great respect for my fellow board members and the over 300 individuals who serve on MEA committees and look forward to working with them and the MEA team to empower the energy industry through education and leadership development."</p>
<p>The slate of board members for 2018-2019 follows.</p>
<p><b>Officers:</b></p>
<li>Chair, Bobbi L. Schroeppel, vice president of customer care, communications, and human resources of NorthWestern Energy</li>
<li>1st Chair , Barry J. Bentley, senior vice president, customer operations of Indianapolis Power &amp; Light</li>
<li>2nd Vice Chair , Vernon J. Peterson, vice president, electric distribution asset management of WEC Energy Group</li>
<li>Treasurer, Tom J. Henkels, chief operating officer of PLH Group, Inc.</li>
<li>Secretary , Patrick D. Van Beek, president of MEA Energy Association</li>
<li>Past Chair, Gary L. Gibson, associate general manager, economic development of City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri</li>
<li>Executive Committee Delegate, Charles C. Crews, vice president gas operations of Consumers Energy</li>
<li>Executive Committee Delegate, Jon K. Luttrell&nbsp;&nbsp; , senior vice president, utility ops and president VUHI of Vectren </li>
<p><strong>Directors:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Joe Awad, general manager construction and maintenance of Colorado Springs Utilities</li>
<li>Tamara A. Bewley, market manager, natural gas and PVF of Border States</li>
<li>W. Noble Billingsley, ll, director, gas operations, GRMI of DTE Energy</li>
<li>James M. Conway, vice president field operations of ComEd, an Exelon Company</li>
<li>Patrick C. Darras, vice president of operations of Montana-Dakota Utilities Company</li>
<li>James W. Dougherty, vice president, electric delivery of MidAmerican Energy Company</li>
<li>Benjamin F. Felton, vice president power delivery of NiSource</li>
<li>Dean A. Headlee, manager, pipeline safety and compliance of CenterPoint Energy</li>
<li>Steven A. Karolewski, vice president of operations of GROEBNER</li>
<li>Jamie Kiely, senior director, operations of Kansas City Power &amp; Light</li>
<li>Eric Kozak, senior director, gas operations of Ameren Illinois</li>
<li>Scott Kranstuber, vice president, sales and marketing of SENSIT Technologies</li>
<li>Kevin P. Joyce, director, gas emergency response of Xcel Energy</li>
<li>James Lorenz, director-electric construction and operations of Madison Gas and Electric</li>
<li>Anthony R. McCain, vice president resource management of Nicor Gas, Southern Gas Company</li>
<li>James J. Miller, director, business development of 3 Phase/MasTec</li>
<li>Joe Purington, vice president of electric operations (NH) of Eversource</li>
<li>Ivan Vancas, group vice president natural gas utilities of Black Hills Corporation</li>
<li>Mark Van Dyne, vice president environmental services of Burns &amp; McDonnell </li>
<li>John C. Webster, director natural gas division of Hutchinson Utilities Commission</li>
</ul>
<p>MEA thanks all outgoing board members for their service. For more information about MEA visit <a href="http://www.meaenergy.org/">www.MEAenergy.org</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: open sans;">. </span></p>HTTP://WEB.MEAENERGY.ORG/CWT/EXTERNAL/WCPAGES/WCNEWS/NEWSARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?ArticleID=287Wed, 11 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT